FORD news.

Ford’s medium MPV, the C-MAX, manages to smash the 100g/km barrier for CO2 with the launch of a new 1.5-litre TDCi ECOnetic edition, exclusively available in five-seat C-MAX Zetec trim. The new 104bhp variant manages to achieve 99g/km and is capable of 74.3mpg on the combined fuel economy cycle. The detuned engine still achieves the same 114mph top speed as its more powerful sister car, though acceleration to 62mph is 0.8 of a second slower at 12.1 seconds. The price premium for extra frugality is Ј200, with the single Zetec 1.5 TDCi ECOnetic edition costing Ј20,245, even though it loses its alloy wheels in favour of 16-inch steel wheels, low rolling resistance tyres and aerodynamically optimised wheel trims. Available to order now, Ford’s new economy MPV arrives in Ford dealerships early in the new year.

Cops chase new cars.

MERCEDES-Benz, Audi, BMW, Volvo, Subaru and Volkswagen are on Australian police force wish lists as the search begins for a highway patrol car to replace the current fleet of locally produced Holdens and Fords. SUVs are shaping as the likely participants in future highspeed chases as local police look to follow the high-riding road travelled by American cops. The Subaru Forester tS, Mercedes-AMG GLA45, BMW X3 and Jeep Grand Cherokee SRT are all being considered following the release of a detailed set of draft “national vehicle specifications” for pursuit cars as replacements for the Commodore SS and Falcon XR6 Turbo/XR8. Each achieves the police target of accelerating to 100km/h in less than 7.5sec while providing space for gear and people. SUVs also provide better ground clearance for hopping median strips or driving on the verges of country roads. And the extra traction of all-wheel drive provides reassurance - and pace - in slippery conditions. Police insiders Wheels spoke to confirmed SUVs were one option being considered. Victoria Police has already purchased some Grand Cherokee SRTs for use in undercover work. BMW produces police versions of its 2 Series Gran Tourer, 3 Series, 5 Series, X1, X3 and X5 for emergency services around the world. “We’re definitely interested in it … we are speaking to the police at the moment,” BMW Australia director of corporate affairs Lenore Fletcher said. “We have many high-powered performance vehicles - including X models - that would be well suited to police work.” MB Australia senior manager of corporate communications David McCarthy said the chances of a GLA45 AMG pursuit car would depend on supply. “If they want the cars, we have to be able to provide the volume,” he said, adding that Mercedes would not produce a specific trim or tune for police. “We’re not going to reduce the spec … that can have implications on used-car prices and the brand image.” Wheels understands police have pressured some manufacturers to take out luxury components to make cars more affordable, but most brands appear reluctant. Police are also asking for modifications - including electronics, pre-drilled holes in the roof and the fitment of full-sized spare tyres - from the factory, something that may not be feasible for many models. Police are also considering high-performance sedans and wagons for highway patrol duties, including the Volvo S60 Polestar, Audi A4/S4, BMW 3 Series and Volkswagen Golf R. While, on the surface, the chances of a Mercedes, BMW, Audi or Volvo police car may seem slim due to their premium price tags, police are keen to consider the whole-of-life cost of all vehicles. Given that depreciation is typically the single biggest cost of any new vehicle, some police jurisdictions are pushing their accounting departments to consider resale values, servicing costs and low fuel use, potentially opening the door to more luxurious alternatives. As part of the draft requirements - which Wheels has seen - police are also probing carmakers as to “the extent that the manufacturer can modify or build vehicles to meet the draft specifications”. Overseas, Mercedes and BMWs are relatively common for police use, and BMW even has a range of ‘Authority’ models designed specifically for emergency services.

BMW news.

Just weeks after the new 7 Series arrived in BMW showrooms, the German firm has revealed prices for the more powerful 740d editions. Paired exclusively to xDrive fourwheel- drive, the 3.0-litre turbocharged engine develops 316bhp and a mighty 502lb ft of torque. But despite this, the most frugal edition is still quoted as being able to achieve 55.4mpg on the combined cycle, and emits 134g/km. Prices start at Ј72,060 for the 740d xDrive and top out at Ј79,675 for the long wheelbase 740Ld xDrive M Sport model. These flagship editions are available to order now.